These mocha energy bites are soft and chewy with a rich chocolate and subtle coffee flavor. They're made with dates, sunflower seed butter, protein powder and instant coffee. This protein ball recipe is nut free, gluten free, dairy free, vegan and paleo friendly (no oats).
I'm always on the hunt for easy snacks that I can make ahead of time and store in the fridge or freezer. And these mocha energy bites have been one of my favorites lately.
Although I usually make energy bites for the kids, I made these for myself because I love coffee and chocolate and I didn't really feel like sharing (LOL). However, the kids did get to try one and they were highly impressed.
These mocha protein balls have a chewy caramel-like consistency since they're made with dates. I used sunflower seed butter to keep them nut free and added chocolate protein powder to boost the protein content.
In addition, this recipe is gluten free, grain free (no oats), dairy free paleo AND vegan. It checks a lot of boxes, plus they taste amazing!
Why You'll Love these Mocha Energy Bites
- Paleo and Vegan - made with simple ingredients you can feel good about
- Easy to Make - just blend ingredients in a food processor and roll into balls
- Peanut Free - no peanut butter in this energy bite recipe
- Gluten Free and Grain Free - no oats, no wheat
- No Added Sugar - only sweetened with dates
Ingredients
You only need 7 ingredients to make these coffee protein balls. The full recipe can be found in the recipe card below, but here's an overview of what you'll need:
- Dates - I used pitted Medjool dates, but any variety will work.
- Sunbutter - also known as sunflower seed butter. If you don't need this recipe to be nut free or paleo, then you can swap the sunbutter for almond butter or peanut butter.
- Protein powder - I used Nuzest chocolate pea protein, but most protein powders should work. If the dough is too wet, you can always add more protein powder or cocoa powder. If the dough is too dry, a bit of water will help bind the ingredients.
- Cocoa powder - I used dutch processed cocoa powder for this recipe, but any cocoa powder will work
- Instant coffee - my favorite instant coffee is from Four Sigmatic.
- Salt - just a little for flavor
How to Make Mocha Energy Bites
These energy bites are made in a food processor, then rolled into balls. Here are the step by step instructions:
- First, soak your dates in hot water to soften. Place the pitted dates in a small bowl. Heat a pot of water and pour the water over the dates so that they are fully submerged. Let them sit for 5-10 minutes, then drain the water.
- Place the dates in your food processor and blend.
- Add in the remaining ingredients and blend, stopping a couple times to scrape down the sides. The dough should form a large sticky ball.
- Roll the dough into balls, about one tablespoon in size. You should get about 17 energy bites.
Tips and Tricks
- Soak the dates - even if your dates are relatively soft, soak them in hot water before blending.
- Use a pea protein - pea protein is very absorbent and works great for making these energy bites.
- Dip the balls in dark chocolate - for more of a dessert, dip the energy balls in dark chocolate
Storage
These mocha energy bites are best stored in an airtight container or baggie in the fridge or freezer. They will keep well in the fridge up to two weeks, or the freezer up to two months. Honestly, they're great straight from the freezer, as the bites don't get rock solid.
FAQ
Yes, so long as you use a vegan protein powder.
These bites can be made without instant coffee, but that's what gives them their mocha-like flavor. You could probably finely grind coffee beans instead.
If your dough is too dry and difficult to roll into balls, try adding a little water to the dough and blending in your food processor.
More Healthy Protein Balls
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Mocha Energy Bites (No Nuts, Paleo)
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 17 bites
Description
These mocha energy bites are soft and chewy with a chocolate and coffee flavor. This recipe is nut free, gluten free, dairy free, paleo and vegan friendly.
Ingredients
- 1 cup pitted Medjool dates (about 13 dates)
- ¼ cup sunflower seed butter (I used unsweetened Sunbutter)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ⅓ cup chocolate protein powder (32g)*
- ¼ cup cocoa powder (24g)
- 2 tsp instant coffee
- pinch of salt
- water (if dough is too dry)**
Instructions
- Soak the dates in hot water to soften. Place the pitted dates in a small bowl. Heat a pot of water and pour the water over the dates so that they are fully submerged. Let them sit for 5-10 minutes, then drain the water.
- Place the dates in your food processor and blend.
- Add in the remaining ingredients and blend, stopping a couple times to scrape down the sides. The dough should form a large sticky ball.
- Roll the dough into balls, about one tablespoon in size. You should get about 17 energy bites.
- Store in an airtight container or baggie in the fridge or freezer.
Notes
*I used Nuzest chocolate pea protein. Other protein powders should work, but may change the consistency of the energy bites.
**If the dough is too dry and doesn't easily roll into balls, then add a little water and blend the mixture in your food processor.
Katie
My family and I love these mocha bites! Enjoy!